Early Life and Royal Heritage
- Born: July 15, 1949, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Father: Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum
- Family: Belongs to the ruling Al Maktoum dynasty of Dubai
Education
- Studied at Al Ahmadiya School and Al Shaab School in Dubai
- Later trained at the Mons Officer Cadet School in the UK
- Attended special training at Cambridge and Bell School of Languages
Rise to Leadership
- 1971: Appointed UAE Minister of Defence — youngest in the world at the time
- 1995: Crown Prince of Dubai
- 2006: Became Ruler of Dubai and Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE after the death of his brother Sheikh Maktoum
His leadership introduced rapid modernization, smart governance, and global branding of Dubai.
Architect of Modern Dubai
Sheikh Mohammed has championed megaprojects that have put Dubai on the global map.
Iconic Projects
- Burj Khalifa – Tallest building in the world
- Palm Jumeirah – Man-made island
- Dubai Metro – First urban rail network in the Gulf
- Dubai Internet City, Media City, and Healthcare City – Business clusters
- Expo 2020 (held in 2021–2022) – Global innovation showcase
Smart Dubai
- Introduced AI, blockchain, and digital governance initiatives
- Dubai 10X Vision: Pushes government 10 years ahead of global peers
Author & Poet
Sheikh Mohammed is also a prolific author and poet, writing in both Arabic and English.
Notable Books
- Reflections on Happiness and Positivity
- My Vision: Challenges in the Race for Excellence
- Flashes of Thought
He often writes about leadership, happiness, innovation, and the Arab identity.
Vision 2025 and Beyond
Even in 2025, Sheikh Mohammed continues to shape Dubai’s role in the future.
Key Initiatives
- Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 – Making Dubai a sustainable energy leader
- Dubai AI Roadmap – Integrating AI in all sectors
- Mars 2117 Vision – UAE’s plan to build a city on Mars
- Dubai Economic Agenda (D33): Targeting AED 32 trillion economy by 2033
Humanitarian Leadership
Sheikh Mohammed has launched major global and regional charity initiatives.
Philanthropic Work
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI)
- Dubai Cares – Improving education in developing countries
- One Billion Meals campaign – Region’s largest food aid drive
His focus extends beyond Dubai, with global efforts to reduce poverty and promote human development.
Personal Life
- Married to Princess Haya bint Al Hussein (divorced)
- Father of many children including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (Crown Prince of Dubai)
- Passionate about horse racing, endurance riding, literature, and Arab heritage
Achievements and Global Recognition
- Key figure in promoting tolerance, sustainability, and modern Islamic leadership
- One of the most followed world leaders on social media
- Recognized globally for urban development, smart governance, and innovation
FAQs – Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid
Is Sheikh Mohammed still the ruler of Dubai in 2025?
Yes, he continues to serve as the Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE.
What is Sheikh Mohammed known for?
He is known for transforming Dubai into a modern city through innovation, mega-projects, and visionary leadership.
What are his major achievements?
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Metro, Expo 2020, AI governance, smart city innovations, and global philanthropic programs.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Metro, Expo 2020, AI governance, smart city innovations, and global philanthropic programs.
Yes, Sheikh Mohammed launched the UAE Space Agency and Mars Mission as part of the country’s futuristic vision.
Final Word
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is more than a political leader — he is the visionary who saw possibility where others saw sand. Under his guidance, Dubai emerged as a symbol of ambition, excellence, and innovation for the Arab world and beyond.
